Find Academic Supervisors

Roger SanterView profile

Lecturer

• Animal Behavior
• Neuroethology
• Insect Behavior
• +3 more

Roger Santer is a Lecturer in Zoology at the Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, within the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). He holds a BSc in Zoology (Newcastle University, 1999) and a PhD in Invertebrate Neuroethology (Newcastle University, 2003). Prior to joining IBERS in 2010, he held postdoctoral positions at Newcastle University (2003–2006) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2006–2008), followed by a lectureship in Biology at the University of Limerick (2008–2010). His research focuses on animal behavior and the neural mechanisms underlying it, particularly visually-guided behavior in insects and arachnids. Techniques include electrophysiology, behavioral studies, and computational modeling. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystems. He led the project Conservation of butterflies under natural and modified illumination conditions (2017–2020), funded by the Welsh European Funding Office. Media coverage highlights his research on insect visual perception, including why biting flies are attracted to blue objects and the role of UV lighting in butterfly behavior. Collaborations span institutions like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and international partners, with datasets and open-access publications emphasizing pest control strategies and arthropod sensory biology.

• Immunology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Yanli Li is a researcher at the Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Australian National University. Her work focuses on viral immunology, vaccine development, and infectious disease dynamics in both human and veterinary contexts. She specializes in studying host-pathogen interactions, particularly with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), Chlamydia trachomatis, and other pathogens. Research Themes: Innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infections Antigen discovery for vaccine design (e.g., CPAF, OmcB) PRRSV transmission dynamics and control in swine populations CD4+/CD8+ T-cell biology in persistent infections Impact of maternal immunity on viral vertical transmission Recent work emphasizes the failure of viral-vectored vaccines to enhance protection against Chlamydia muridarum, the role of systemic CD4 T-cells in preventing PRRSV transplacental infection, and the evolutionary pressures driving PRRSV variant selection in farm settings. Her studies often integrate computational models (e.g., attention-aware differential learning for peptide-MHC prediction) with experimental immunology. Dr. Li is registered to supervise research students and has published extensively on swine immune responses, viral antigenicity, and vaccine efficacy under real-world conditions. Her work bridges basic immunology with translational applications in veterinary medicine.

• Theology
• Religious Studies
• Christian Theology
• +3 more

Dr. A Francis is a University Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, part of the School of Arts & Humanities. Their work focuses on theological studies and religious history, with contributions to academic discussions in comparative religion and biblical analysis. Dr. Francis holds a position within the Divinity Faculty, contributing to teaching and research in theological disciplines. Research interests include the study of religious texts, historical theology, and interfaith dialogue. Their scholarly contributions emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to religious studies, integrating historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives. Publications span theological analysis and religious ethics, though the listed articles suggest an additional focus on biological research (possibly attributed to a different individual with the same name, given the mismatch with Divinity Faculty context). These include studies on host-parasite interactions, Wolbachia symbiosis, and evolutionary immunology in Drosophila models. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Students and advising roles are not listed. The faculty affiliation implies involvement in undergraduate and graduate teaching programs related to Divinity studies.

Scott E. LindnerView profile

Associate Professor

• Cell Biology
• Microbiology
• Structural Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Scott E. Lindner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on molecular parasitology and structural biology, particularly studying the malaria parasite Plasmodium to uncover vulnerabilities in its lifecycle. He holds a BS in Molecular Biology from Florida Institute of Technology (2001), a PhD in Cancer Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006), and an MBA in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Penn State (2024). Lindner leads the Lindner Laboratory, which investigates translational control during malaria transmission and parasite cell division. He co-directs the Huck Center for Malaria Research, chairs sessions at major conferences, and serves on advisory boards for the Schreyer Honors College and the Biotechnology Curriculum Committee. His research interests span cell biology, microbiology, structural biology, and infectious diseases, with a focus on RNA biology, gene regulation, and proteomics. Lindner’s lab employs cutting-edge techniques like proteomics and ultrastructure-expansion microscopy to study parasite development and transmission. His work has led to breakthroughs in understanding translational repression mechanisms and specialized ribosomes in Plasmodium . Key awards include the FASTMH fellowship, the Huck Leadership Fellowship, and multiple teaching accolades. Lindner’s contributions extend to vaccine development, as seen in his work on SARS-CoV-2 nanoparticle vaccines. He has trained numerous graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative environment with affiliations to the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Center for RNA Molecular Biology.

Fatima NaimView profile

Research Fellow

• Plant Metabolic Engineering
• Gene Editing in Plants
• Plant Pathology
• +3 more

Fatima Naim is a Senior Research Fellow at Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS), affiliated with the External Collaborative Research Centre Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM). She holds a PhD in plant metabolic engineering and has over a decade of experience in agricultural research. Her work focuses on plant-pathogen interactions, gene editing technologies, and metabolic engineering in crops like wheat, banana, and Nicotiana benthamiana. Dr. Naim's research integrates advanced imaging techniques (synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) with molecular biology approaches to study nutrient competition between plants and pathogens, CRISPR/Cas9 applications in crop improvement, and lipid pathway engineering. She has pioneered methods for enhancing transgene longevity and optimizing ChIP protocols in allotetraploid plants. Her publication record spans plant physiology, biotechnology, and pathology, with recent emphasis on wheat disease response mechanisms and the development of multi-omic resources for Nicotiana benthamiana. Naim's CCDM role involves dissecting early infection dynamics and post-disease recovery in crops, contributing to sustainable agricultural solutions.

• Forensic Acarology
• Parasitology
• Symbiosis
• +5 more

Dr. Alejandra Perotti is a prominent researcher in forensic acarology and parasitology, known for her extensive work on mites and lice in forensic and symbiotic contexts. She has published widely in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports , PLoS ONE , and Molecular Biology and Evolution , often in collaboration with H. R. Braig and M. I. Saloña-Bordas. Her research interests include: Forensic acarology and decomposition ecology Phoretic and parasitic mite behavior Endosymbionts in lice and mites (e.g., Wolbachia, Rickettsia) Human-associated arthropods in life and death Molecular and microbial analysis of forensic traces Her recent publications highlight trends in using mites as trace evidence in criminal investigations, genomic analysis of symbiotic relationships, and the role of arthropods in estimating postmortem intervals. She has contributed to major textbooks in forensic entomology, indicating recognition in the field. Scientific contributions and collaborations: Co-editor and contributor to Forensic Entomology (3rd ed.) Key role in sequencing the human body louse genome (2010) Longstanding collaboration with international teams across Europe and the Americas Dr. Perotti has advised or collaborated with numerous researchers, though formal students are not listed. She has not received any explicitly mentioned awards in the provided text. Her work often involves interdisciplinary teams and laboratory-based analysis of arthropod specimens.

• Comparative Pathology
• Veterinary Pathology
• Translational Research
• +13 more

Carmen Jane Booth, DVM, PhD, is an Associate Professor on Term in the Department of Comparative Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. She serves as the Director of the Comparative Pathology Research Core, where she provides diagnostic pathology services and fosters collaborative research involving rodent and other animal models. Her work bridges veterinary medicine, translational pathology, and biomedical research across Yale and external institutions. Education: PhD in Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle (2005) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Washington (2003) Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School, New England Primate Research Center (1998) DVM, University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine (1992) BS in Animal Science Pre-Vet, University of California at Davis (1987) Non-Degree Program, Animal Science Pre-Vet, California State Polytechnic University (1984) Her research focuses on comparative and translational pathology , particularly in mouse and canine models. Key areas include the genetics and physiology of polyhydroallantois in dogs, mechanisms of uterine fibroid development in humans and primates, and the use of the WAG/RijYcb rat model for hemophilia A. She also contributes to studies on Lyme disease, NASH fibrosis, and metabolic influences on infection and immunity. Her collaborative projects involve interdisciplinary teams across immunology, oncology, and infectious diseases. Recent publications highlight her involvement in chronic disease mechanisms , including persistent Borrelia peptidoglycan, adiponectin’s role in tick-borne pathogen acquisition, hepatocyte-driven fibrosis in NASH, and the impact of ketogenic diets on viral infections in aging. These works reflect a strong trend in translational immunometabolism, fibrotic diseases, and host-pathogen interactions . Scientific Contributions: Active peer reviewer for journals including Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science , Veterinary Pathology , and Molecular Cancer Therapeutics . Frequent collaborator with leading Yale researchers such as Erol Fikrig, Akiko Iwasaki, Andrew Wang, and Carlos Fernandez-Hernando. Dr. Booth mentors postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, and teaches rodent necropsy and blood collection techniques. She plays a vital role in supporting Yale’s research infrastructure through her leadership in the Comparative Pathology Research Core, enabling high-quality animal model studies across diverse scientific domains.

• Molecular Microbiology
• Archaeal Cell Biology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +7 more

Iain Duggin is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director at the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection (AIMI) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He previously led the Microbial Morphology and Development research theme and held roles including ARC Future Fellow (2017–2021) and Research Fellow (2011–present). Prior to UTS, he was a Research Associate at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Cambridge, UK) and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Sydney and the MRC Cancer Cell Unit/Oxford University. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Sydney (2002) Postdoctoral Research, University of Sydney (2002–2004) MRC Career Development Fellowship, MRC Cancer Cell Unit (Cambridge) and Sir William Dunn School of Pathology (Oxford), UK (2005–2009) Research Interests: His work focuses on microbial morphogenesis and cell division across archaea and bacteria, particularly in Haloferax volcanii and uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). He investigates cytoskeletal proteins like CetZ and FtsZ, their roles in cell shape and division, and applications in addressing antimicrobial resistance and climate change. Additional areas include UTI pathogenesis, vaccine design, and comparative evolutionary studies of microbial systems. Articles Trends: Recent publications (2021–2025) emphasize archaeal cell biology (e.g., CetZ1 dynamics in morphogenesis), bacterial pathogenesis (UTI mechanisms, host cell interactions), and applied microbiology (biofilm models, diagnostics via machine learning). His research blends fundamental discoveries with translational solutions for human health and environmental challenges. Scientific Awards: ARC Future Fellowship (2017–2020) MRC Career Development Fellowship (2005–2009) Finalist, UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Leadership (2020) Advising & Grants: Leads undergraduate microbiology teaching (e.g., General Microbiology course director) and actively mentors students in research design. Secured grants from ARC, NSW Health, and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), including projects on UTI diagnostics, archaeal genetic systems, and X-ray facility development for protein crystallography. Collaborates with industry partners on biotechnology and therapeutic applications. Labs & Teams: Directs the Duggin Lab at AIMI, which develops model systems for archaeal and bacterial cell biology. Collaborates internationally on studies of cytoskeletal proteins and UTI pathogenesis, leveraging advanced techniques like live-cell microscopy and genetic engineering.

Ramon Zegpi LagosView profile

Assistant Professor

• Avian Virology
• Veterinary Immunology
• Infectious Disease Vaccinology
• +3 more

Ramon Zegpi Lagos, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University, affiliated with the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). His research focuses on avian virology and immunology, particularly studying the mechanisms of immune responses against infectious pathogens such as Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV). Dr. Lagos investigates vaccine efficacy, virus-host interactions, and the optimization of vaccination protocols in poultry. His work emphasizes understanding how viral population structures influence immune protection and how early vaccination timing impacts immunological outcomes in chickens. His publications highlight advancements in recombinant vector vaccines, Harderian gland immune responses, and the stability of cell-adapted vaccines. These studies contribute to improving poultry health and disease prevention strategies in agricultural settings.

Jacco BoonView profile

Associate Professor

• Virology
• Influenza Virus Research
• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• +6 more

body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; } h2 { color: #2c3e50; } ul { list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 20px; } li { margin-bottom: 5px; } Roles and Affiliations Dr. Jacco Boon is an Associate Professor at Washington University School of Medicine, affiliated with the John T. Milliken Department of Medicine , Molecular Microbiology , and Pathology and Immunology . He leads the Boon Lab, which focuses on RNA virus research, particularly influenza, Bourbon virus, and SARS-CoV-2. He holds academic roles in the Division of Infectious Diseases and multiple interdisciplinary centers including the Institute for Public Health and Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences . Education PhD in Virology, Erasmus University Rotterdam (2003) Postdoctoral Training at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2005–2011) Joined Washington University in 2011 as Assistant Professor, promoted to Associate Professor in 2019 Research Interests Dr. Boon’s work centers on viral pathogenesis, host-virus interactions, and antiviral strategies. Key focus areas include: Development of animal models (e.g., Syrian hamsters for SARS-CoV-2, mice for influenza) Genetic factors influencing disease severity (e.g., IFI35 knockout mice) RNA biology of influenza virus genome packaging Bourbon virus epidemiology and tick-borne transmission Vaccine and adjuvant development for influenza and emerging pathogens Awards and Grants Recipient of the Barrett Postdoctoral Fellowship (2005) and multiple travel awards for international conferences. Active grant funding includes NIH/NIAID awards for influenza research and viral pathogenesis studies. Advising and Mentorship Current trainees: 4 postdocs (e.g., Gayan Bamunuarachchi, Ishmael Aziati) and graduate student Houda Harastani Past advisees include Graham Williams (now at Duke University) and Anshu Gounder (Sanford Burnham Prebys Institute) Mentor for Global Health Mentoring Program Labs and Collaborations Director of a BSL-3 facility for high-pathogenicity virus research. Collaborations include: Tick-borne virus surveillance in Missouri Development of viral neutralization assays for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 Structural biology of viral RNA interactions (e.g., influenza nucleoprotein)

Edwin R. BurgessView profile

Assistant Professor

• Veterinary Entomology
• Arthropod Pest Control
• Animal Production Industry
• +3 more

Dr. Edwin R. Burgess is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida. His research focuses on veterinary entomology, particularly developing safe chemical and biological control solutions for arthropods affecting non-human vertebrates in animal production industries. His work emphasizes understanding pest biology to improve pest management strategies and reduce economic losses in livestock systems. Dr. Burgess is affiliated with the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida, located in Steinmetz Hall (Gainesville, FL). His research integrates multidisciplinary approaches, including toxicology, genetics, and ecology, to address complex pest challenges in agricultural and veterinary contexts. His research interests span: Development of novel insecticides and biological control agents Mechanisms of insecticide resistance and penetration Behavioral and physiological studies of pests like house flies, mosquitoes, and ticks Role of arthropods as vectors and reservoirs of pathogens Recent studies highlight his work on chemical formulations, genetic resistance in insects, and tick control strategies. His publications emphasize practical applications of entomological research to real-world pest management problems. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His work involves field and laboratory experiments, often collaborating with agricultural stakeholders to bridge research and industry needs.

Nathan Burkett-CadenaView profile

Associate Professor

• Vector-borne Disease Ecology
• Medical Entomology
• Mosquito Ecology
• +3 more

Dr. Nathan Burkett-Cadena is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida, affiliated with the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. His research focuses on vector-borne disease ecology, particularly investigating how biological and environmental factors influence the transmission of pathogens like eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus. He studies host-vector interactions, emphasizing mosquito behavior and the ecological drivers of disease amplification. Education: Ph.D., Entomology, Auburn University, 2010 M.S., Entomology, Auburn University, 2005 B.S., Biology, University of South Alabama, 2001 His research explores diverse vector-borne disease systems, including river blindness and Everglades virus. He trains students in field and laboratory techniques, such as vector identification and data analysis. Key projects address the ecology of eastern equine encephalitis and the impact of invasive species like the Burmese python on disease transmission. Dr. Burkett-Cadena has published extensively on mosquito ecology, vector competence, and surveillance methods. Notable contributions include studies on Culicoides midges as vectors for orbiviruses and the development of novel trapping technologies. He received the Richard Jones Outstanding New Faculty Research Award in 2014. His work bridges entomology and public health, with a focus on understanding viral transmission dynamics and mitigating risks through improved surveillance and control strategies.

Cynthia LordView profile

Associate Professor

• Vector-Borne Disease Ecology
• Medical Entomology
• Population Dynamics Modeling
• +3 more

Cynthia Lord is an Associate Professor at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, part of the University of Florida's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Her academic focus is on population modeling and vector-borne disease ecology, with a specialization in mosquito and tick-borne pathogens. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University (1991), an M.A. in Biology from Princeton (1988), and a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Vermont (1983). Her research combines mathematical modeling and field studies to understand disease transmission dynamics, particularly for West Nile virus, Saint Louis encephalitis, and canine influenza. Key projects include investigating mosquito-bird interactions, pesticide efficacy, and non-pesticide control methods like barrier trapping. She has also explored how ecological factors like competition and environmental conditions influence disease spread. Dr. Lord has secured grants from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), the Canine Health Foundation, and the NIH. Notable grants include studies on larval habitat distribution, improving pesticide control through density-dependent analysis, and developing non-pesticide control strategies. Her work emphasizes bridging ecological scales—from individual mosquito behavior to regional epidemiology—to enhance disease prediction and intervention. Her academic contributions span over three decades, with publications in journals like Journal of Medical Entomology , Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , and Physiological Entomology . Her research has informed public health policies on vector control and disease surveillance.

Kirsten Pelz-StelinskiView profile

Professor

• Vector Biology
• Insect Microbial Ecology
• Plant Pathology
• +3 more

Dr. Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski is a Professor and Center Director at the Citrus Research and Education Center (C REC), part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Her research focuses on vector biology and microbial ecology, particularly the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) and its role in transmitting the Huanglongbing (HLB) pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus . She investigates how pathogens affect vector fitness, endosymbiont dynamics, and management strategies for citrus diseases. Her work integrates entomology, microbiology, and agricultural science to address critical challenges in citrus production. Notable projects include studying antibiotic treatments, insecticide resistance, and genetic approaches to disrupt pathogen transmission. She collaborates with postdoctoral researchers like Erica Watson Carter and Miltan Roy to advance these efforts. Publications highlight her focus on psyllid behavior, symbiont manipulation, and innovative control methods, such as RNA-based technologies and CRISPR applications. Her research emphasizes sustainable solutions for HLB management, balancing ecological and economic outcomes.

Steve LougheedView profile

Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Genomics
• Ecology
• +3 more

Steve Lougheed is a Professor and Baillie Family Chair in Conservation Biology at Queen's University, affiliated with the Department of Biology and School of Environmental Studies. He leads the Lougheed Lab, focusing on genomics, ecology, and conservation biology. His research addresses biodiversity origins, human impacts (e.g., climate change, habitat fragmentation), and species at risk, particularly in amphibians, reptiles, and polar bears. He is Director of the Queen's University Biological Station and collaborates with Indigenous communities on conservation projects like BearWatch, which monitors polar bears using genomics and traditional ecological knowledge. Research Interests: Conservation genomics, environmental DNA (eDNA), species distribution modeling, and climate change impacts on wildlife. Current projects include polar bear monitoring, eDNA-based biodiversity surveys, and conservation strategies for snakes and turtles. Teaching: Field courses in East Africa, Latin America, and Canada; lectures on speciation, ecology, and conservation. Lab Members: Supervises numerous graduate and undergraduate students in genomics, ecology, and conservation. Key Projects: BearWatch (polar bear genomics), eDNA manual development, and snake conservation genetics. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles on topics like polar bear diet analysis, eDNA applications, and snake population genetics. Recent works include advanced genomics tools for wildlife monitoring and Arctic char population studies.